UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT AND CHARACTERISTICS OF ASNAF ZAKAT AL-GHARIMIN THROUGH HADITH NABAWI

Abstract

This article discusses the concept and characteristic of zakat asnaf al-Gharimin according to the prophetic hadiths. On the basis, al-Gharimin is one of the asnaf that has been mentioned in the Quran. Issues with regard to al-Gharimin have also been discussed in the prophetic hadith as the second source of Islamic law. Literature review indicates that there are differences in determining the concepts and characteristics of eligibility to zakat recipients under the asnaf of al-Gharimin that have been adopted by zakat institutions all around Malaysia. Besides, there are also issues with regard to the distribution of zakat under the asnaf of al-Gharimin to individuals affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study is to enlighten the concept of asnaf al-Gharimin and its characteristics in profhetic Hadith. This study applied the method of secondary analysis by referring to the prophetic hadiths which discussed on asnaf al-Gharimin together with the other references such as journal articles, books, websites of zakat institution and Islamic religious councils of states in Malaysia. Finding shows that the concept of asnaf al-Gharimin refers to (1) an individual who is in debt to fulfil the needs of himself, his family or dependents, (2) a rich individual who is in debt due to the public interest and (3) a guarantor for others who are in debt. (4)people who suffered deteriotation of life in consequence of the pandemic (5) people who is afflicted with a terrible disaster resulting on destruction and loss of his property, The implications of this study seek for redefinition of the asnaf of al-Gharimin and an expansion to the characteristics of the asnaf of al-Gharimin that are adopted by the zakat distribution agencies in Malaysia.